Dynamic association of electronically stored information with iterative workflow changes

ABSTRACT

A data management tool. The tool a unified, horizontal system for communications, organization, information processing, and data storage. The tool operates seamlessly with existing platforms, and is a common workflow layer that is automated with a scalable, relational database. The tool uses one or both of a relational and object database engine that facilitates at least many-to-many relationships among data elements. The highest contextual assumption is that there exists an entity that consists of one or more users. The data storage model first assumes that files are associated with the user. Thus, data generated by applications is associated with an individual, group of individuals, and topical content, and not simply with a folder, as in traditional systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) fromU.S. Provisional Patent application Serial No. 60/432,255 entitled“METHOD FOR DYNAMIC ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRONICALLY STORED INFORMATIONWITH ITERATIVE WORKFLOW CHANGES”, filed Dec. 11, 2002; and is related toco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Atty Dkt. No.LEADP101USA) entitled “CONTEXT INSTANTIATED APPLICATION PROTOCOL” filedon Dec. 10, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention is related to management and storage of electronicinformation. More particularly, this invention relates to new structuresand methods for creating relationships between users, applications,files, and folders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Digital communications presently supply solutions to users inways that are completely divorced from their business context. Aparticular item of communication provides little or no inherentunderstanding of how that communication furthers the purpose and intentof the group or enterprise. In other words, an email (electronic mail)inbox collects email messages about all topics, both business andpersonal. The email application itself is not discerning about topic,priority, or context beyond perhaps rudimentary “message filters” thatwill look for certain key words or people, and then place those items intarget folders. Generally, the application simply presents a sequentiallist of messages received. Similarly, a fax machine receives fax pagesin sequence. The fax machine is not discerning about topic, priority, orcontext, and simply outputs fax pages. Once received, it remains thetask of the recipient to sort, categorize, and organize these items ofcommunication in ways most meaningful to that person. The organizationpart of the task generally occurs outside the context of the particularcommunications tool itself.

[0004] Typical methods for organization of communications are limitedand fragmented. For example, for an email, the recipient may eitherleave all the email in the inbox or move it to another electronicfolder. For a fax, the recipient is likely to place that received fax ina file folder that is identified by project name or name of recipient.These typical methods of organizing communications are wholly inadequatefor a number of reasons. The recipient must do all the work oforganization and categorization of the communications rather than thesystem itself do that work. Automation of the organization ofcommunications is non-existent. The linkage between business strategyand an individual act of communication, a leadership priority, isnon-existent. With respect to categorization, the items themselvesrarely apply to only one topic of interest. As such, under currentsystems, the items would need to be manually stored in multiplelocations (either electronic or “brick and mortar” folders). Forexample, a letter faxed to a sales manager may contain information aboutcontact addresses, market intelligence data, specific product requests,and financial accounting.

[0005] Data items often relate to organizational issues for which one ormore work groups need access; access that is denied when the recipient“buries” that item in his/her personal filing system, electronic orotherwise. Thus, the sharing of knowledge in this context isprohibitive.

[0006] Prior art communications tools do not know the business and/orpersonal context(s) within which files are created and used. Forexample, a person may create three files in a word processor, onerelating to sales, the second relating to operations, and the thirdrelating to a son's football team. However, the word processor itselfhas no way of knowing to automatically store those three files in atleast three different places. Insofar as security and privacy areconcerned, the applications and associated file storage methods aregenerally insecure, not conforming to a single, dependable securitymodel.

[0007] Known software applications create and store files outside of acontextual framework. For example, when a user creates a word processingfile using a conventional word processor application, the user typicallymust select a single folder within which to store that file. The filemay be stored in an existing folder or the user may create a new folderto receive the file. This file management method is known as LightweightDirectory Application Protocol (LDAP). LDAP borrowed the physical worldpaper file management scheme where a machine/application creates files,stores those files in individual folders, and stores those folders incabinets. Under this scheme, context is completely independent of theapplication. File context is limited to the decision made by the userabout the folder in which the file should be stored. The user decisiondoes not adequately represent or reflect the true context of the filegiven that the file may contain information that could reasonable bestored in multiple folders.

[0008] LDAP systems are suited for smaller one-to-many and many-to-onerelationships. For example, an e-mail message to ten recipients is aone-to-many relationship, while ten customers sending orders to a singlevendor exemplifies a many-to-one relationship. In the case of theformer, the e-mail is stored in an Outbox, and the ten recipients storethe received message in their respective folders, called an Inbox. Inthe latter case, the ten received orders are placed in an Orders folderfor the associated the product.

[0009] Conventional systems are designed to allow multiple users toaccess the same file for collaboration purposes; however, this featuredoes not change the basic one-to-many and many-to-one storage paradigm.Conventional systems only attempt to optimize it.

[0010] Another limitation of LDAP is that little or no information iscontained within the file about the user and, the context andcircumstances of the user at the time the file was created. The peopleelements of an organization are simply too multi-dimensional for thelimitations of conventional systems. Current processes designed to addcontext to files, such as a metadata tagging approach, involve having aknowledge officer view files after they have been stored and createmetadata tags with additional key words associated with the file forsearch purposes.

[0011] The best that existing technology has done is to respond to nicherequirements where automation made sense: telephone switching, voicemail, e-mail, file transfer, paging, and file storage, for example. Thetrend is toward a convergence of the technologies, but convergencebecomes an enormous problem with these legacy systems that are nowencumbered by outdated data handling and storage models that aremainframe and/or hierarchical in nature.

[0012] Notwithstanding the usefulness of the above-described methods, aneed still exists for a communications tool that associates filesgenerated by applications with individuals, groups, and topical contextautomatically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention inorder to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

[0014] The present invention disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspectthereof, is a data management tool that is a unified, horizontal systemfor communications, organization, information processing, and datastorage. The tool installs on existing platforms, and is a commonworkflow layer that is automated with a scalable, relational database.The tool includes a relational database engine that facilitatesmany-to-many relationships among data elements, in addition to,one-to-many and many-to-many relationships.

[0015] The data management tool includes a novel architecture where thehighest contextual assumption is that there exists an entity thatconsists of one or more users. The data storage model first assumes thatfiles are associated with the user. Thus, data generated by applicationsis associated with an individual, group of individuals, and topicalcontent, and not simply with a folder, as in traditional systems.

[0016] When a user logs in to the system that employs the tool, the userenters into a personal workspace environment. This workspace is called aboard, and is associated with a user context. From within this board,the tool makes accessible to the user a suite of applications forcreating and manipulating data. Any user operating within any board hasaccess to the suite of applications associated with that board, and canobtain access to any data in any form (e.g., documents and files)created by the applications and to which he or she has permission.Moreover, thereafter, the user can then move to shared workspaces (orboards), and access the same data or other data.

[0017] Data created within the board is immediately associated with theuser, the user's permission level, the current workspace, any otherdesired workspace that the user designates, and the application. Thisassociation is captured in a form of metadata and tagged to the databeing created. The metadata automatically captures the context in whichthe data was created as the data is being created. Additionally, thedata content is indexed to facilitate searching for the content innumber of different ways in the future by the user or other users. Thistagging process is universal, in that, the data model allows for anybinary data (e.g., files), as well as any set of definable data to beaccepted into the system. The system is not restricted to processinge-mail, faxes, calendar events, meetings, phone calls, etc., that areincluded in the bundled system, but can also accommodate whatever datathe user chooses to use. The system is also universal insofar as itsuser interaction can be through a browser that is pervasively employedfor use with conventional operating systems.

[0018] In that the tool supports multiple users, there can be multipleboards. Two or more boards (or workspace environments) can be grouped asa collection of boards, also called a web. Boards can exist in anynumber of different webs. The association of webs and boards is storedin a table. As a user creates a context, or moves from one context to atleast one other context, the data created and applications usedpreviously by the user automatically follows the user to the nextcontext. The change in user context is captured dynamically. All filesand groups of files can be associated with any other file in the system,allowing a system user the flexibility in determining dynamicassociations.

[0019] In addition to the macro view provided by webs and boards, theuser can also create the more familiar hierarchical folders within anyboard. These are virtual folders, and nothing is physically stored inthese folders.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the tool provides theseamless facilitation, collection, compilation, and distribution ofdata.

[0021] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the tool provideslinks to enterprise leadership priorities.

[0022] In still another aspect of the present invention, the toolperforms communications tasks while simultaneously reminding the user ofhis/her individual work priorities.

[0023] In another aspect thereof, the tool provides automatically storescontextual information relating to an item of communication and utilizesthat contextual information in performance of communication tasks.

[0024] In yet another aspect thereof, the tool integrates two or moredifferent applications such as telephony, unified messaging, decisionsupport, document management, portals, chat, collaboration, search,vote, relationship management, calendar, personal informationmanagement, profiling, directory management, executive informationsystems, dashboards, cockpits, tasking, meeting, conferencing, etc.,into a common application.

[0025] In another aspect thereof, the tool provides a structure fordefining relationships between complex collections of data.

[0026] In still another aspect of the present invention, the toolprovides a process for automating workflow between multiple entities.

[0027] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the invention are described herein in connectionwith the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspectsare indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the invention may be employed and the present invention isintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features of the invention may become apparent fromthe following detailed description of the invention when considered inconjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system that facilitatesthe management of data in accordance with the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a process of the presentinvention.

[0030]FIG. 3 illustrates a system employing a board and a web inaccordance with the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 4A illustrates a diagram of board relationships.

[0032]FIG. 4B illustrates board/web relationship diagram.

[0033]FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a process for board and webgeneration in accordance with the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 6 illustrates a sample webs-and-boards table used inaccordance with the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of system in accordance withthe present invention.

[0036]FIG. 8 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of a system ofthe present invention.

[0037]FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram of a general structure of themanagement tool system.

[0038]FIG. 10 illustrates a level flow diagram of the hierarchy of thepresent invention for associating one or more users, context,applications, and folders with data.

[0039]FIG. 11 illustrates a system operational in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0040]FIG. 12 illustrates a design integration chart of the disclosedinvention.

[0041]FIG. 13 illustrates one implementation of a platform systemaccordance with the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 14 illustrates a general system configuration of the presentinvention.

[0043]FIG. 15 illustrates a screenshot of a management tool window of abrowser used as a user interface to facilitate user interaction withmeeting information in accordance with the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 16 illustrates a screenshot of a management tool window of abrowser used as a user interface to facilitate user interaction withe-mail information in accordance with the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 17 illustrates a screenshot of a management tool window of abrowser used as a user interface to facilitate user interaction with aboard management option in accordance with the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 18 illustrates a screenshot of a management tool window of abrowser used as a user interface to facilitate user interaction with aphone option in accordance with the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 19 illustrates a screenshot of a management tool window of abrowser used as a user interface to facilitate user interaction with afiles option in accordance with the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 20 illustrates a screenshot of a management tool window of abrowser used as a user interface to facilitate user interaction with auser context in accordance with the present invention.

[0049]FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable toexecute the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The present invention is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident,however, that the present invention may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devicesare shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing thepresent invention.

[0051] As used in this application, the terms “component” and “system”are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, acombination of hardware and software, software, or software inexecution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being,a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable,a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way ofillustration, both an application running on a server and the server canbe a component. One or more components may reside within a processand/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

[0052] As used herein, the term “inference” refers generally to theprocess of reasoning about or inferring states of the system,environment, and/or user from a set of observations as captured viaevents and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specificcontext or action, or can generate a probability distribution overstates, for example. The inference can be probabilistic—that is, thecomputation of a probability distribution over states of interest basedon a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer totechniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set ofevents and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of newevents or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored eventdata, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporalproximity, and whether the events and data come from one or severalevent and data sources.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a block diagram ofa system 100 that facilitates the management of data in accordance withthe present invention. The data management tool includes a novelarchitecture where the highest contextual assumption is that thereexists an entity that consists of one or more users. The data managementand storage model first assumes that data is associated with the user.Thus, data generated by an application employed by the user isassociated with the user, groups of users, and topical content; and notsimply with a folder, as in traditional systems.

[0054] In support thereof, when a user logs-in to the system 100, userdata 102 is generated and associated with at least the user and thelogin process. The user automatically enters into a user workspace or afirst context 104 (also denoted CONTEXT₁) or environment. Thisenvironment can be a default user workspace, or workspace environmentpredesignated by the user or an administrator after login, for example.After login, the user can perform data operations (e.g., create andmanipulate) on a data 106 in any number of ways, including, but notlimited to, viewing, editing, copying, moving, and deleting the data.Such data operations can be performed using at least one application108. For example, where the data 106 is text data, a text editing orword processing application can be employed. Many different text editorand/or word processing applications exist that can be used to create,view, edit, copy, and move the data 106, to name just a few of theoperations. Where the data 106 is program code, the application 108 isone that is suitable for providing user access and interactiontherewith. Where the data 106 is a voice file, the application 108 canbe an application suitable for playing the voice file. This all occursin association with the first context 104.

[0055] The system 100 also includes a context component 110 inassociation with the first context 104 to monitor and generate contextdata 112 associated with data operations of the user in the firstcontext 104. The context data 112 includes at least data representativeof the user (e.g., some or all of the user data 102), datarepresentative of the first context 104, data representative of the data106, and data representative of the application 108. The context data112 can be stored in the form of a table (or any other suitable datastructure) for access and processing, and at any location, as desired.

[0056] The system 100 can include a plurality of the contexts, denotedas CONTEXT₁, . . . , CONTEXT_(N). Thus, in addition to the first context104, there is at least a second context 114 with which the contextcomponent 110 is associated. This is because the user of the firstcontext 104 can move to the second context 114, and perform manydifferent data operations therein which will then be associated withthat user in that second context 114. The data operations performed inthe second context 114 are also associated with the user and storedautomatically. Such user activities and data operations in the one ormore contexts of the system 100 and movement of the user betweencontexts are tracked using a tracking component 116. Thus, datagenerated by applications is associated with an individual, group ofindividuals, and topical content; and not simply with a folder, as intraditional systems.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a flow chart of aprocess of the present invention. While, for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the one or more methodologies shown herein, e.g., in theform of a flow chart, are shown and described as a series of acts, it isto be understood and appreciated that the present invention is notlimited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with thepresent invention, occur in a different order and/or concurrently withother acts from that shown and described herein. For example, thoseskilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodologycould alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states orevents, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated actsmay be required to implement a methodology in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0058] At 200, a user associated with a first context. This can occur bythe user logging in to a system and automatically entering a userworkspace, which workspace is associated with the first context. At 202,the user assigns applications for use in the user context. This canoccur explicitly by the user manually selecting the application(s) forassociation with the context, or implicitly by the user launching anapplication performing data operations within the context. At 204, theuser performs a data operation. At 206, the user changes context fromthe first context to a second context. At 208, the data andapplication(s) are then automatically associates with the secondcontext. The process then reaches a Stop block.

[0059] As the user performs data operations in the first and secondcontexts, the system automatically creates and updates context data, asindicated at 210. This occurs transparently to the user, as indicated bythe dashed line.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a system 300employing a board 302 and a web 304 in accordance with the presentinvention. In the past, intuitive, dynamic, and changeable workflowprocesses have proved to be too dynamic and expensive for automation.Boards and webs are used to automate workflow processes and definerelationships between data and applications. As users create and changetheir contexts, the data (e.g., files) and applications automaticallyfollow, the shifts in context being captured dynamically in the contextdata. As used herein, a “board” is defined as a collection of data andapplication functionality related to a user-defined topic. For example,a user-defined topic may be a department of a company or a project thatinvolves the company. In the case of a project, the board preferablyincludes all of the data relating to that project including email,tasks, calendar events, ideas, discussions, meetings, phone calls,files, contact records, people, etc. Data and applications may begrouped in a board based on the identity of the tag. As used herein, theterm “web” refers to a collection of interrelated boards.

[0061] As implemented, the web 304 of the system 300 can include aplurality 306 of the boards 302 (also denoted as BOARD₁, BOARD₂, . . . ,BOARD_(N)). The plurality of boards 306 can each be associated with asingle user, one with a single user, and others with multiples users,including or not including the user. The system 300 can also employ aplurality of webs 308 (also denoted WEB₁, WEB₂, . . . , WEB_(X)). Themany boards 306 can be grouped in different combinations as webs. Forexample, BOARD₁, and BOARD₂ can be grouped as WEB₂. Thus, where WEB₁includes three boards all related to a single project, the boards 306can include finance, accounting, and resources, for example.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 4A, there is illustrated a diagram 400 ofboard relationships. Boards in a web may have, for example, aparent-child relationship, although this is not required. A given boardcan have more than one parent and more than one child. A board cannot beits own child or its own parent. However, boards can have variousrelationships to each other. For example, a board may be part of acircular relationship of any complexity. Illustrated herein, a firstboard, BOARD₁, is parent to a second board, BOARD₂. The second board,BOARD₂, is parent to a third board, BOARD₃, and BOARD₃ is parent to thefirst board, BOARD₁.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 4B, there is illustrated board/webrelationship diagram 402. Boards can exist in any number of webs. Manyboards will exist in more than one web. The web represents a certainview of the relationships among boards. That is, the view can behierarchical, or the view can be in the form of a work-flow.Additionally, the relationship between two boards on one web isindependent of the relationship between those same two boards on otherwebs. As shown, in a first web, WEB₁, BOARD₁ is a parent to BOARD₂. Yet,in a second web, WEB₂, BOARD₁ is a child to BOARD₂. In a third web,WEB₃, BOARD₁ and BOARD₂ have no relationship, but exist independent ofone another. In a fourth web, WEB₄, BOARD₁ exists, but BOARD₂ does not.These are but a few examples of the web/board relationships that canexist in accordance with the present invention.

[0064] In accordance with the invention, webs may be used to maintainthe location of content within a complex and changing set of boards andsupport automation of a workflow process. One example of automation of achanging workflow process can be illustrated where the workflow processto be automated initially is represented by A→B→C, and ultimatelychanged to A→B/C→D. Three different groups of people are assigned toeach item, where the resulting distribution isA(1,2,3)+B(4,5,6)+C(7,8,9).

[0065] In the known LDAP environment, it is necessary for the automationsequence to predetermine how work data flows from A to B and C. Then theautomation module for inputs to D must be spelled out and rewritten toconsolidate the split inputs from B and C. As such, the automationsupport for this workflow change will always lag behind the ability ofthe people involved to start working with the new workflow assumptions.

[0066] In contrast, and in accordance with the present invention, websand boards are the context for applications, files, and folders. Hence,the workflow process may be readily reorganized by making a change toone or more of the webs and boards. By simply adding the board D andrearranging some of the relationships of A, B, and C, the workflow isquickly reorganized and implemented.

[0067] The disclosed system has associated therewith a routingalgorithm, referred to herein as a “webslice.” A webslice is arelationship rule that defines a relationship between a web and one ormore boards of that web. If the web changes (e.g., a board is added),and meets the criteria of the rule, the content will be on the new boardas well. For example, the rule can include a web ID, a starting boardID, and “transversal” data (i.e., the relationship rule), in thefollowing format:

[0068] webslice (target board)=<webID; starting board ID; transversaldata>.

[0069] Thus, if a system includes two webs, W1 and W2, where web W1includes five boards: A (the starting board), B, C, D, and E, with eachsubsequent board a child to the previous board (i.e., B is child of A, Cis child of B, etc.), the webslice data “slicing” to board E will besimilar to the following:

[0070] webslice (board E)=<W1; board A; A→B→C→D→E>.

[0071] It is to be appreciated that where a child board has at least twoparent boards, the webslice data can include at least two paths. Forexample, consider that A is the parent to both B and C, with B and C theparents to D. A webslice to D can be obtained in one of two ways:

[0072] webslice (board D)=<W1; board A; A→B→D>, or

[0073] webslice (board D)=<W1; board A; A→C→D>.

[0074] Moreover, since the webslice to a given board of a web can takeat least two different paths, one path can be longer than the other tothe desired board. Consider that A is the parent to both B and C, with Bthe parent to D, and C the parent to E, and E the parent to D. Awebslice to D can be obtained in one of two ways:

[0075] webslice (board D)=<W1; board A; A→B→D>, or

[0076] webslice (board D)=<W1; board A; A→C→E→D>.

[0077] These examples are only but a few of the relationships that canbe extracted using a webslice. The webslice can also take the forms ofthe following: “Just the board I started from” (a default); “All childboards”; “All sibling boards”; and, “All descendant boards”, forexample.

[0078] Thus, by using at least these three basic entities for thewebslice (i.e., the web ID, the starting board ID, and the transversaldata), the boards associated with a given content can be ascertained.Since content is associated with context, and the board is used in partto define the context, the system knows the content associationswhereupon a change of web structure, the system knows with whichboard(s) the content is associated, both before and after the structurechange. In keeping with one aspect of the invention, the location of thecontent may be determined dynamically at runtime using the webslice.Alternatively, the associated location of content may be determined bydetecting changes in structure, detecting the temporary location of thecontent on the boards in the routing algorithm before and after thechange, and adjusting the location of the affected content as part ofthe change in structure. Of course, the webslice data is not limited tothe three aspects indicated hereinabove, but may include furtherinformation, such as at least one application ID and user ID (thatuniquely identifies the creator of the content), for example.

[0079] Data created while the user is in the board is immediatelyassociated with the user, the current workspace, any other desiredworkspace that the user designates, and the application. Thisassociation is captured in a form of metadata and tagged to the databeing created. The metadata automatically captures the context in whichthe data was created as the data is being created. Additionally, thedata content is indexed to facilitate searching for the content innumber of different ways in the future by the user or other users. Thistagging process is universal, in that, the data model allows for anybinary data (e.g., files), as well as any set of definable data to beaccepted into the system. The system is not restricted to processinge-mail, faxes, calendar events, meetings, phone calls, etc., that areincluded in the bundled system, but can also accommodate whatever datathe user chooses to define. The system is also universal insofar as ituser interaction can be through a browser that is pervasively employedfor use with conventional operating systems.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a flow chart of aprocess for board and web generation in accordance with the presentinvention. At 500, a webs-and-boards table is created to track therelationship of said aspects. At 502, a user creates a board. This canbe via an administrator initially configuring a person user workspace,or thereafter, a user creating another workspace, for example, a sharedworkspace. At 504, the user performs data operations while in the board.The data and applications employed to operate on the data are thenincluded as content associated with the user in this particular context.Given that there can be multiple users, there can be a corresponding oneor more webs associated with the one or more users. A BOARD(S) columnlists the number of boards, select numbers of the boards can now begrouped in collections or webs, as indicated at 506, to facilitateworkflow, for example. For any number of reasons, the web and boardrelationships can be changed, as indicated at 508. At 510, thewebs-and-boards table is automatically updated as these changes occur.The process then reaches a Stop block.

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a samplewebs-and-boards table 600 used in accordance with the present invention.The table 600 includes a user information column related to a number ofusers (1-3 and 6-8), under the heading of USER(S). This is because thenovel invention first begins by associating all aspects with the user.The table 600 also includes a WEB(S) column that associates one or morewebs (W1, W2, and W3) with the one or more users. A BOARD(S) columnlists the lists the boards (e.g., B11, B12, and B14) with a given web.Here the users 1, 2 and 3 are associated with a web W1 that comprises acollection boards B11, B12, and B14 (where the first digit is theassociated web number, and the second digit is the board number). Thetable 600 also includes a parent/child relationships column (denoted asBOARD(S) P/C RELATION). Here, board B11 is the parent, and board B12 isa child, and a parent to board B14. The table 600 is not limited to thecolumns provided, but can include more information, as desired.

[0082] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a block diagram ofsystem 700 in accordance with the present invention. Generally, thesystem 700 includes an internal network 702 on which is disposed aservices system 704 and one or more users 706 seeking use of theservices system 704. The services system 704 further includes a servicescomponent 708 and an associated data storage system 710 for storing dataand programs. The services system 704 includes the data management toolof the present invention.

[0083] A user at one of the user nodes 706 can access the servicessystem 704 via a browser over a wired/wireless communication link. Giventhat a browser is a principal means for access, the user node can be anytype of computing device and operating system that supports a browser,whether the browser is a full-blown program typically used on a desktopcomputing system, or a modified or slimmed down browser interfaceemployed in a portable computing device, e.g., a personal data assistant(PDA), wireless computing tablet, and cellular/digital telephone. Asillustrated, the user nodes 706 also have direct access to the datastorage system 710.

[0084] The user nodes 706 can also access a global communicationsnetwork 712, e.g., the Internet, using conventional communication means,thereby providing a second path for accessing the services system 704,that further facilitates direct access to the services 708 and/or thestorage system 710. This second path is most important, since a user canaccess the system 704 from essentially anywhere.

[0085] The services system 704 can be utilized internal to a corporateenvironment operating on, for example, an intranet, and providing suchservices only to corporate users. In another implementation, the system704 can be disposed external to the corporate environment such that thecompany subscribes to the system services via a vendor.

[0086] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated a more detailedblock diagram of a system 800 of the present invention. The system 800includes the internal network 702 on which is disposed the servicessystem 704 and the one or more users 706 seeking use of the services 708provided thereby. The services 708 facilitate the use of the datamanagement tool, which employs one or more webs 802 and boards 804. Thetool further provides portal services 806 for accessing the servicesfrom various internal and external network locations using the TCP/IPsuite of protocols. Other services provided include, but are not limitedto voice services 808 and outside services 810. Outside services 810facilitate including non-employees and the use of third-partyapplications in specific projects in the system by providing variouslevels of access to any number of data locations and services.Read/write permissions can be granularized to the file level, ifdesired.

[0087] The data storage system 710 includes a number of storagemethodologies 812 for handling and processing data. For example, onemethodology enables large numbers of users to organize files anddocuments around many projects simultaneously. Data of any kind and sizecan be uploaded to a common shared workspace or board. Varying levels ofaccess can be provided to the uploaded data. Other methodologies areassociated with storing the data, archiving the data, data warehousing,library data, and an idea registry for tracking that aspect of thecompanies intellectual capital. The storage system 710 facilitates thestorage and access of metadata libraries that link hierarchical andnon-hierarchical LDAP folders.

[0088] As indicted hereinabove, the management tool operates seamlesslywith existing computing system applications, and existing systemservices. For example, the conventional system services can include atleast the following: e-mail, collaboration and groupware services 814having an associated e-mail, collaboration and groupware storage system816; voice switching services 818 (e.g., telephone and paging functions)having an associated voice data storage system 820; and multimediaservices 822 having an associated multimedia storage system 824. Thestorage system 816, 820, and 824 can connect to the storage system 710to facilitate data transfer and storage in accordance with the variousmethodologies of the storage system 710.

[0089] A user of the users node 706 can also access thee-mail/collaboration/groupware services 814, voice switching services818, and multimedia services 822 indirectly through the services system704 using a multi-user data manipulation engine, e.g., OLAP (On-LineAnalytical Processing). Alternatively, the user can access theseservices 814, 818, and 822 directly over the network 702, but shownseparately as a communication link 826, and through the services 708without using the multi-user engine.

[0090] The user can also access the services 704, other services 814,818, and 822, and data storage system 704 over the global communicationsnetwork 712 via a link 828. This is facilitated through the user browserby directing the browser to a website using a URL (Uniform ResourceLocator) or through an alternative link 830.

[0091] The management tool is browser-based and incorporates astrong-encryption scheme (e.g., using 128-bit SSL (secure socket layer)protocol). This means that data transmitted between the user computerand the services server is substantially secure. Furthermore, data shallnot be cached, which means that there is no information footprint lefton the user computer after the user logs off. The user can access datasecurely from virtually any network node using any type of browser. Thedata is stored encrypted on the storage system 710.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a diagram of ageneral structure of the management tool system 900. The structurestarts at a high level with the user at a user level 902. The user level902 is next associated with a context level 904 that defines allcontexts in which the user can be included. Under the context level 904is a web level 906 that associates one or more of the webs with one ormore of the contexts of the context level 904. A boards level 908underlies the webs level 906 and provides associations of the manyboards with one or more of the webs. An applications level 910facilitates associating one or more applications with a board designatedat the board level 908. A database/folders level 912 underlies theapplications level 910, and facilitates storing at least data, tables,and context information generated from the upper levels in folders, inthe form of, e.g., files, at an associated underlying file level 914. Alinking protocol 916 provides cross-level communication for facilitatingall aspects of data processing and communication at all levels of thedata management system 900.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is a level flow diagram 1000illustrating the hierarchy of the present invention for associating oneor more users 1002, context 1004, applications 1006, and folders 1008with data 1010. The approach is for file storage pointers of anapplication to be dynamic, governed initially by the folder within whichthe application is launched. Additionally, the file storage pointers arethen accessible and acted upon by the same application form any folderin the system. This is a dynamic non-linear implementation.

[0094] Traditional collaborative technologies, like groupware, allowgroups of users to take action on the same file substantiallysimultaneously. However, in preparation for such capabilities, all usersmust have compatible versions of the same application that is to be usedfor working with the file. The context for any folder is limited to aone-to-many and many-to-one relationship. Essentially, the folderpossesses a singular context to the directory tree in which it resides.

[0095] In contrast, the disclosed architecture assumes that the highestcontextual level is that of an entity consisting of a group of usersforming a many-to-many architecture. The users create and use the fileswithin the context of the workspaces or boards of one or more users,which may or may not have web relationships. In this implementation, theboard is similar in function to a folder in conventional LDAP systems.

[0096] The user then uses a suite of applications within a board, withany file created being immediately associated with the user, that board,any other board desired, and the application. In other words, by theperson doing simply his/her work, an enormous amount of metadata aboutthe context(s) for that work is captured automatically. Additionally,the system indexes the content to facilitate the other ways in which theusers of the system might want to search on that file in the future—waysand future contexts which are not and cannot be known by the users inadvance and certainly are not facilitated by conventional systems.

[0097] The system facilitates the use of an array of applications thatact independently of the boards from which they were launched, and thoseboards are capable of being ordered in a myriad of collections ofrelationships (i.e., webs). The applications can traverse the webs tothe boards associated with the information.

[0098] In addition to a macro view obtained by webs and boards, the usercan also create familiar hierarchical folders within any board. Theseare virtual folders, in that their storage is governed by the processdescribed above. No data is physically stored in these folders. Finally,any file or group of files can be associated with any other file in thesystem, allowing the users of the system infinite flexibility indetermining dynamic associations among the macro/micro components of thesystem.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a system 1100operational in accordance with the present invention. The system 1100includes a data management platform 1102 suitable for accommodating anynumber conventional operating systems (OS) 1104 (also denoted OS₁, OS₂,OS₃, . . . , OS_(N)). The system 1100 also facilitates the use of asingle data storage system 1106 suitable for use with any of theoperating systems 1104, whereas conventionally, a given OS may require acertain data storage file structure. The platform 1102 isOS-independent, and provides a single point of contact for multipleusers and resources 1108.

[0100] Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a designintegration chart 1200 of the disclosed invention. At the core of thesystem is a data management tool 1202 that facilitates all of theoutlying features and capabilities. The tool 1202 facilitates, at asecond layer 1204, one interface (via a browser), one application (thetool itself), one data store (associate with the management tool), andone search mechanism for finding any data element of the data store. Ofcourse, any third party applications typically have their own searchtool to search for files and folders that may also be used. At a thirdlayer 1206, the system 1200 facilitates a secure operating environment,a scalable environment, and web-based. Moreover, the system 1200 can beimplemented on any software and/or hardware platform, accommodate accessfrom any device, and bridge to third party applications and devices. Atan outer layer 1208, the system 1200 facilitates one or more instancesof the following: users, contexts, workflows, projects, user-definedtopics, priorities, file types, and tools. The system 1200 also issuitable for use with e-mail, facsimile, and instant messagingsubsystems, multimedia services, and voice systems (e.g., phone andpaging data).

[0101] The system 1200 captures and catalogs data automatically. Users,projects, permissions and communication tools can be readily configured,along with the exchange of voice information, data, and video dataseamlessly. As users collaborate, the system 1200 captures contextinformation, and automatically records when and how data is shared, whoupdated the data, how often the data was accesses, what additionalinformation the data was linked to, etc. Meeting information can bestored automatically, including, but not limited to, who attended, thedocuments shared, instant messages captured, handouts used, slidepresented, etc. A later search can retrieve this information along withthe context(s) within which the data was generated and used.

[0102] The system 1200 enables larger numbers of users to organizecommunications around many projects substantially simultaneously. It canrelate those projects to one another using whatever workflow model(s)are required, and dynamically assign modular communications tools (e.g.,e-mail, voice mail, fax, teleconferencing, document sharing, etc.) tothose many projects as desired. The system 1200 automatically indexesthat information within the context(s) in which it is received and used.This way, when a user searches the system 1200 for information, the usernot only gets the information sought, but also can see how theinformation is currently being used by other users and project groups inthe whole system. Traditionally, if a document was to be associated withseven different projects, for example, the document would be stored inseven different file locations and version control could be asignificant problem. In accordance with the present invention, thedocument is seamlessly linked to all seven projects. Thus, only oneversion exists, and version control is much easier to address.

[0103] The disclosed system architecture is suited to relational andobject database structures for use on a large scale. The data managementtool uses both relational and object storage approaches to facilitate atleast Internet-based data communications.

[0104] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated one implementationof a platform system 1300 in accordance with the present invention. Theplatform system 1300 includes the capability of third-party applicationintegration, security cameras and other devices for data input, projectand workflow management and, file and document sharing. The platformsystem 1300 also accommodates online meetings between logged-in users,and teleconferencing between the users, if desired. The teleconferencingcan be initiated using the platform system 1300.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a general systemconfiguration 1400 of the present invention. The system 1400 includes aplatform 1402 that hosts at least the data management tool, here calleda web application server 1404. The server 1404 provides a common layerto underlying services that include a database server 1406, a VRU (voiceresponse unit) 1408 (also called an interactive VRU or IVRU) and massstorage system 1410. The VRU 1408 facilitates interactive callingfeatures for a user via remote touchtone signals and to voice data tothe caller such that the caller can make choices in response topredetermined options presented by the system.

[0106] The platform 1402 can utilize at least one multi-channel datacommunication connection 1412 (e.g., T1, DS3) into the VRU subsystem1408 for communicating voice information and interacting with featuresof the platform 1402. As indicated previously, the invention canaccommodate user communication from virtually any accessible networknode. To facilitate such an interface, the platform 1402 can include aprocessor 1414 suitable for XML (eXtensible Markup Language), XSLT (XMLStylesheet Language: Transformations), and SSL processing. The processor1414 can also access web-based services utilizing SOAP (Simple ObjectAccess Protocol). SOAP employs XML syntax to send text commands acrossthe network using HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol). Thus, there is ahigh-speed connection 1416 (e.g., broadband) that interfaces to theprocessor layer 1414 for use with multiple communication exchanges withremote users disposed on the global communication network 712. Theremote users can access the platform system 1402 via a SSL connection1418 using portable wired/wireless devices 1420, and by way of theassociated browsers 1422.

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a screenshot of amanagement tool window 1500 of a browser (e.g., Internet Explorer byMicrosoft Corporation) used as a user interface to facilitate userinteraction with meeting information in accordance with the presentinvention. The window 1500 includes an address field 1502 that indicatesthe default protocol and URL address for accessing the data managementsystem of the present invention. Here, HTTP is used to access the servervia network. The “https:” indicates the connection will be to a secureport instead of a default web port. The window 1500 also includes a userarea 1504 that indicates the name of the user logged into the system.There is also provided a topic area 1506 that lists the various boardsassociated with the user-defined topics. Here, the user has defined twotopics: a Topic 1 and a Topic 2.

[0108] The window 1500 also includes an application (or services) area1508 that lists many applications selectable by the user while in thisparticulate window 1500. The applications presented to the user fromthis window 1500 include but are not limited to the following: Message,Calendar, Task, Phone, Search, Meet, Contact, Compile, Discuss, Files,Notes, Division, News, Ideas, Vote, Manage Board, Change, Password,Print, Help, Tutorial, and Logout. Depending on the user permissionsprovided by an administrator, the user may see more or fewerapplications.

[0109] Here, the Meet application option is selected to allow userinteraction with setting up a meeting related to projects of the user.The Meet application option further includes List and Createsub-options. When the List sub-option is selected, a center viewing area1510 is used to present board, context, web address and otherinformation so that the user can review the existing board and contextinformation related to setting up a meeting. Selection the Createsub-option allows the user to create a meeting in associated with one ormore of the boards and make changes to existing board relationships andcontexts. Other user-selectable options are provided such that the usercan Join in a session with one or more other users, Move data toArchive, Select all objects, set a Reminder for himself or herself, andDelete boards.

[0110] The Messaging option allows the user to give out an e-mailaddress of a project work area, enabling senders to send the messages toright place. Thus, the user no longer needs to manually move themessages to the appropriate folders once received in a personal messageinbox. Additionally, incoming faxes are routed to the appropriate boardfor storage and review. Keywords and phrases in the fax areautomatically indexed. Later retrieval is accommodated simply byperforming a search for the keywords or phrases. Moreover, a given boardcan be assigned a fax number. Thus, all faxes coming in can be routed tothat number, and on to the associated board.

[0111] The Vote option allows the company and organizations tocommunicate and gather opinions by way of voting. A question can beentered, and the users selected to whom the question(s) should be posed.

[0112] Referring now to FIG. 16, there is illustrated a screenshot of amanagement tool window 1600 of a browser used as a user interface tofacilitate user interaction with unified messaging, including e-mail,voice mail and fax information in accordance with the present invention.The window 1600 includes many of the same fields and informational areasof the previous windows (e.g., areas 1502, 1504, 1506, and 1508 ofwindow 1500 of FIG. 15). Here, the Message option is selected to allowuser interaction with various forms of messaging support by thedisclosed management architecture. The Message option further includesan instant messaging (IMessage) sub-option, in this particularimplementation.

[0113] When the Email-Inbox sub-option is selected, the center viewingarea 1510 is used to present the user's messaging inbox folders. Theuser can then open these folders to view the e-mail, voice mail and faxmessages stored therein. The center viewing area 1510 also includes adrop-down menu 1602 that allows the user to select form a variety ofdifferent folders (e.g., Main, Drafts) of the e-mail system. The usercan also create and sign messages with a digital signature.

[0114] As before, other user-selectable options are provided such thatthe user can manipulate messaging information, including, but notlimited to, Select All, Delete, Acknowledge, Remind Me, Remove,Move/Copy, Forward, and Get External Mail.

[0115] There is also provided a News link that allows the user to linkto the latest corporate and/or division news.

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 17, there is illustrated a screenshot of amanagement tool window 1700 of a browser used as a user interface tofacilitate user interaction with a board management option in accordancewith the present invention. The window 1700 includes many of the samefields and informational areas of the previous windows (e.g., areas1502, 1504, 1506, and 1508 of window 1500 of FIG. 15). Here, the ManageBoard option is selected to allow user interaction with various forms ofuser management of boards. The associated sub-options allow the user toEdit the board attributes, and set permission levels thereto, in thisparticular implementation. Of course, many different additional ordifferent options can be provided (in this window and other windows), atthe discretion of the administrator. The system allows for newattributes to be added to this option as the need arises.

[0117] The center viewing area 1510 presents general board attributes1702 of the user (e.g., user name, data, and time), and several fieldsfor entering user information, including in this implementation, but notlimited to, board description, board name, board nickname, board e-mailaddress, external e-mail properties (e.g., POP server, user name, anpassword), fax information (e.g., incoming fax number for the board andincoming fax PIN), and voice mail information (e.g., incoming voice mailnumber and incoming voice mail PIN).

[0118] Referring now to FIG. 18, there is illustrated a screenshot of amanagement tool window 1800 of a browser used as a user interface tofacilitate user interaction with a phone option in accordance with thepresent invention. The window 1800 includes many of the same fields andinformational areas of the previous windows (e.g., areas 1502, 1504,1506, and 1508 of window 1500 of FIG. 15). The sub-options include CallHistory, Call Setup, Quick Call, Meet Me, and List. The central viewingarea 1510 for this window 1800 simply includes a listing ofphone-related events for the given user.

[0119] As before, other user-selectable options are provided such thatthe user can manipulate phone information, including, but not limitedto, Select All, Delete, Acknowledge, and Remind Me. In addition, as withthe other windows, there is include an Agenda area 1802 for presentingany agenda information of a meeting or upcoming event.

[0120] Referring now to FIG. 19, there is illustrated a screenshot of amanagement tool window 1900 of a browser used as a user interface tofacilitate user interaction with a files option in accordance with thepresent invention. The window 1900 includes many of the same fields andinformational areas of the previous windows (e.g., areas 1502, 1504,1506, and 1508 of window 1500 of FIG. 15). Here, the sub-options includeList, Upload, Deleted, and Check In. Thus, data can at least be listed,uploaded to the system and/or a board, deleted form the system and/orboard, and checked in from a previous checkout process.

[0121] The window 1900 includes the central viewing area 1510 forviewing information requested or selected for presentation. There isalso a user control area 1902 that facilitates listing user documentsthat are checked out of the system or board. There is also provided adropdown menu 1904 for selecting from a number of folder viewingoptions.

[0122] Other user-selectable options are provided such that the user canmanipulate documents, including, but not limited to, Select All, Delete,Acknowledge, Remind Me, Remove, Move/Copy, Check Out and Download.

[0123] Referring now to FIG. 20, there is illustrated a screenshot of amanagement tool window of a browser used as a user interface tofacilitate user interaction with a user context in accordance with thepresent invention. Here, the My Context option was selected while in theMeet application option. Thus, the context information of the user isposted within the meeting space. The window 2000 also includes many ofthe same fields and informational areas of the previous windows (e.g.,areas 1502, 1504, 1506, and 1508 of window 1500 of FIG. 15). Here, thesub-options associated with Meet include List and Create. Thus, data canat least be listed and created in accordance with the associated need.Note that other data can also be accessed and presented within anapplication option, for example, My Profile will show the user profiledata.

[0124] The window 2000 includes the central viewing area 1510 forviewing information requested or selected for presentation. Here, theuser has selected the presentation of the user context information,which also includes board information and relationships. For example,board names Board1, Board2, and Board3 are listed, along with the hosts,User (the current user) for Board1, and User2 for both boards Board2 andBoard3. The web name is also listed for the collection of these threeboards.

[0125] There is a Special Projects Web listed, and the associatedparent/child relationships of the associated boards. For example, Board6is a parent to Board4, and Board4 is also a parent to Board2.

[0126] Other user-selectable options are provided for the Meet option,such as Join, Move to Archive, Select All, Delete, Acknowledge, andRemind Me.

[0127] These are but only a few of the numerous windows employed tofacilitate user interaction, input, and control of the management toolsystem. Many other windows are provided to support, for example,printing, user help, communications security, presenting user documentsto other users, metering user performance, dialog and discovery forums,calendar functions, task functions, leadership tools, file systemmanagement, user context, telephone services, e-mail, voicemail, faxes,video conferencing, web conferencing, security video, reverse 911, voicebroadcasting, first response unified messaging capabilities, specializedAPIs, software development kit, conduct and store meetings, organizingpersonal contact information, enterprise webs, chat sessions,intellectual notes and ideas, workflows, compilations, user profiles,news, searching, user alerts, integration of third-party users andresources, multimedia information, user permissions, systemconfiguration, and wireless portable device interfaces, just to name afew.

[0128] Referring now to FIG. 21, there is illustrated a block diagram ofa computer operable to execute the disclosed architecture. In order toprovide additional context for various aspects of the present invention,FIG. 21 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief,general description of a suitable computing environment 2100 in whichthe various aspects of the present invention may be implemented. Whilethe invention has been described above in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions that may run on one or more computers,those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention also may beimplemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

[0129] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in theart will appreciate that the inventive methods may be practiced withother computer system configurations, including single-processor ormultiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, aswell as personal computers, hand-held computing devices,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like,each of which may be operatively coupled to one or more associateddevices.

[0130] The illustrated aspects of the invention may also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0131] A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readablemedia. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any methodor technology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computerstorage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flashmemory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital video disk (DVD) orother optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other mediumwhich can be used to store the desired information and which can beaccessed by the computer.

[0132] Communication media typically embodies computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data in amodulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationmedia includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also beincluded within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0133] With reference again to FIG. 21, there is illustrated anexemplary environment 2100 for implementing various aspects of theinvention that includes a computer 2102, the computer 2102 including aprocessing unit 2104, a system memory 2106 and a system bus 2108. Thesystem bus 2108 couples system components including, but not limited to,the system memory 2106 to the processing unit 2104. The processing unit2104 may be any of various commercially available processors. Dualmicroprocessors and other multi-processor architectures may also beemployed as the processing unit 2104.

[0134] The system bus 2108 can be any of several types of bus structurethat may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 2106includes read only memory (ROM) 2110 and random access memory (RAM)2112. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 2110 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 2102, such as during start-up. The RAM 2112 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

[0135] The computer 2102 further includes an internal hard disk drive(HDD) 2114 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 2114 mayalso be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 2116, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 2118) and an optical disk drive 2120, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 2122 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 2114, magnetic diskdrive 2116 and optical disk drive 2120 can be connected to the systembus 2108 by a hard disk drive interface 2124, a magnetic disk driveinterface 2126 and an optical drive interface 2128, respectively. Theinterface 2124 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies.

[0136] The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 2102, the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zipdrives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media may contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the present invention.

[0137] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM2112, including an operating system 2130, one or more applicationprograms 2132, other program modules 2134 and program data 2136. All orportions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data canalso be cached in the RAM 2112.

[0138] It is appreciated that the present invention can be implementedwith various commercially available operating systems or combinations ofoperating systems.

[0139] A user can enter commands and information into the computer 2102through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 2138and a pointing device, such as a mouse 2140. Other input devices (notshown) may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, agame pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other inputdevices are often connected to the processing unit 2104 through an inputdevice interface 2142 that is coupled to the system bus 2108, but may beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

[0140] A monitor 2144 or other type of display device is also connectedto the system bus 2108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 2146.In addition to the monitor 2144, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers etc.

[0141] The computer 2102 may operate in a networked environment usinglogical connections via wired and/or wireless communications to one ormore remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 2148. The remotecomputer(s) 2148 may be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer2102, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device2150 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted includewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 2152 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 2154. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices, and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich may connect to a global communication network, e.g., the Internet.

[0142] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 2102 isconnected to the local network 2152 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 2156. The adaptor 2156 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 2152, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adaptor 2156. When used in a WAN networkingenvironment, the computer 2102 can include a modem 2158, or is connectedto a communications server on the LAN, or has other means forestablishing communications over the WAN 2154, such as by way of theInternet. The modem 2158, which may be internal or external and a wiredor wireless device, is connected to the system bus 2108 via the serialport interface 2142. In a networked environment, program modulesdepicted relative to the computer 2102, or portions thereof, may bestored in the remote memory/storage device 2150. It will be appreciatedthat the network connections shown are exemplary and other means ofestablishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

[0143] The computer 2102 is operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operably disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication may be a predefinedstructure as with conventional network or simply an ad hoc communicationbetween at least two devices.

[0144] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internetfrom a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room atwork, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology like a cell phonethat enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive dataindoors and out, and anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Finetworks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) toprovide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi networkcan be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and towired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networksoperate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps(802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate or with products that containboth bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-worldperformance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used inmany offices.

[0145] What has been described above includes examples of the presentinvention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe present invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentinvention are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intendedto embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to theextent that the term “includes” is used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system that facilitates the management of data,comprising a unified horizontal data management tool for at leastmany-to-many functionality, the tool facilitating data communications,data organization, data processing, and data storage.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, the data management system structures data according to a userwho generated the data.
 3. The system of claim 1, the data managementsystem structures data according to the context in which the data wasgenerated.
 4. The system of claim 1, the tool provides links toenterprise leadership priorities.
 5. The system of claim 1, the toolperforms communications tasks substantially simultaneously withreminding a user associated work priorities.
 6. The system of claim 1,the tool automatically stores contextual information relating to an itemof communication and utilizes that contextual information in performanceof communication tasks.
 7. The system of claim 1, the tool integratestwo or more different applications into a common application, thedifferent applications comprising telephony, unified messaging, decisionsupport, document management, portals, chat, collaboration, search,vote, relationship management, calendar, personal informationmanagement, profiling, directory management, executive informationsystems, dashboards, cockpits, tasking, meeting and, web and videoconferencing.
 8. The system of claim 1, the tool provides a structurethat defines relationships between and among complex collections ofdata.
 9. The system of claim 1, the tool automates workflow between andamong multiple entities.
 10. The system of claim 1, the tool facilitatesdata storage using at least one of relational and object storagemethodologies.
 11. The system of claim 1, the tool facilitatescollaboration among a plurality of users across a plurality of projects,the tool dynamically assigns at least one communications tool to atleast one of the plurality of projects.
 12. The system of claim 11, atleast one communications tool includes one or more of e-mail, voicemail,fax, teleconferencing, instant message, chat, contacts, calendar, task,notes, news, ideas, vote, web and video conferencing, and documentsharing.
 13. The system of claim 1, the tool includes a plurality ofapplications, wherein at least one of the plurality of applicationsincludes file storage pointers that are dynamic, and associatedinitially with a board within which the at least one application islaunched.
 14. The system of claim 13, the board storage pointers can beacted upon from another board by the same application.
 15. A computeremploying the system of claim
 1. 16. A computer readable medium havingstored thereon computer executable instructions for carrying out thesystem of claim
 1. 17. The system of claim 1, the tool facilitates anencrypted environment wherein at least one of data communications anddata storage is encrypted.
 18. A system that facilitates the managementof data, comprising: a context component that captures contextinformation associated with a user in a first context; and a trackingcomponent that tracks a change of the user from the first context to asecond context, and automatically associates at least a portion of thecontext information with the second context.
 19. The system of claim 18,the context component is associated with a board that is a collection ofdata and application functionality related to a user-defined topic. 20.The system of claim 18, the context component is associated with a webthat is a collection of interrelated boards, the web maintains thelocation of data of the respective boards when one or more of theinterrelated boards are moved into a different board interrelationship,whether within the web or to another web.
 21. The system of claim 18,the context information includes a relationship between a user and atleast one of an application, application data, and user environment. 22.The system of claim 18, the context component captures contextinformation of the first context and context information related to oneor more other contexts.
 23. The system of claim 22, the contextinformation of the one or more other contexts is at least one ofstipulated by the user, and suggested automatically by the system basedupon various search and association criteria set by the user.
 24. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein data created in the first context can beassociated with data created in the second context.
 25. The system ofclaim 18, the context information is tagged to data when the data iscreated.
 26. A method of facilitating data management, comprising:creating data within a user environment using an application; andautomatically associating to a user of the user environment, informationrelated to the data, the application and the user environment.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, further comprising, tracking movement of the userfrom the user environment to a second user environment; and associatingat least one of the data and the application with the second userenvironment such that the user can employ the application and data fromthe second environment.
 28. The method of claim 26, further comprisingcapturing context information of the user.
 29. The method of claim 26,further comprising indexing content of the environment such that aplurality of users can access the content from a plurality of userenvironments.
 30. The method of claim 26, the data is in the form of atleast files and documents.
 31. The method of claim 26, the least one ofthe data and the application is associated automatically with the seconduser environment.
 32. The method of claim 26, further comprisingaccessing the user environment using a browser.
 33. The method of claim26, further comprising communicating with the user environment using aTCP/IP communication protocol.
 34. The method of claim 26, furthercomprising locating the user environment from a remote location using aURL address.
 35. The method of claim 26, further comprising accessingthe user environment via a portable wireless device.
 36. A method offacilitating data management, comprising: providing a plurality of userenvironments; ordering two or more of the user environments in a numberof different collections of the user environments; providing a pluralityof applications to generate and process data in the user environments,the data of a user environment is associated with that environment; andtraversing the collections of the user environments with one or more ofthe applications to locate the data associated therewith.
 37. The methodof claim 36, the step of traversing is performed using a webslice thatincludes traversal information for locating the data associated with agiven user environment.
 38. The method of claim 37, the traversalinformation includes at least a collection ID, a user environment ID,and a routing path to the location of the environment data.
 39. Themethod of claim 36, the collections, user environments, and associateddata carry both hierarchical and non-hierarchical associationssimultaneously within the applications.
 40. A computer-readable mediumhaving computer-executable instructions for performing a method offacilitating data management, the method comprising: creating datawithin a user environment using an application; automaticallyassociating to a user of the user environment, information related tothe data, the application and the user environment; tracking movement ofthe user from the user environment to a second user environment; andassociating at least one of the data and the application with the seconduser environment such that the user can employ the application and datafrom the second environment.
 41. A system that facilitates themanagement of data, comprising: means for creating data within a userenvironment using an application; means for associating to a user of theuser environment, information related to the data, the application andthe user environment; means for tracking movement of the user from theuser environment to a second user environment; and means for associatingat least one of the data and the application with the second userenvironment such that the user can employ the application and data fromthe second environment.
 42. A graphical user interface that facilitatesthe management of data in a many-to-many methodology, the user interfacefacilitating at least data communications, data organization, dataprocessing, and data storage, the interface comprising: an inputcomponent for receiving data management information, the data managementinformation associated with, capturing context information associatedwith a user in a first context; tracking a change of the user from thefirst context to a second context; and automatically associating atleast a portion of the context information with the second context; anda presentation component for presenting a portion of the data managementinformation to facilitate user interaction therewith.
 43. The interfaceof claim 42, the data management information includes a contextinterface for configuring a user context, a web, and a board.
 44. Theinterface of claim 42, the data management information includes aninterface for accessing an application that facilitates at least one oftelephony, unified messaging, decision support, document management,portals, chat, collaboration, search, vote, relationship management,calendar, personal information management, profiling, directorymanagement, executive information systems, dashboards, cockpits,tasking, meeting and, web and video conferencing.